SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) announces the opening of a powerful and provocative new exhibition, Living Tattoo Traditions: American Irezumi and Beyond opening Oct. 2, 2025 and on view through March 1, 2026. Through photographs and interviews with 24 artists in the Bay Area and beyond, a hand-painted mural and original artworks, video interviews, sculptures and hand-carved masks , the exhibition explores the unique way in which the art of the tattoo tells stories of identity, place and cross-cultural embodiment and experience.

In Japanese, irezumi means “inserting ink”, and is a common word for tattooing. Living Tattoo Traditions exemplifies the concept of American Irezumi, a name coined by exhibition co-curator, tattoo artist and State of Grace shop owner Takahiro (Taki) Kitamura. The Japanese tattoo has been instrumental in Kitamura’s journey toward understanding his hybrid identity, a journey shared by the artists and tattoo wearers featured in this exhibition. Through tattooing, the subjects are simultaneously learning and expressing lessons about culture, art, perseverance, humanity and life. American Irezumi is the intersection of Kitamura's inherited culture with his quest to master the art of traditional Japanese tattoo. The manifestation of this diasporic experience through the practice of tattooing is part of a larger story evolving in America.

“Tattooing has been an incredible way for me to share and learn about culture and humanity,” said Kitamura. “It is a huge honor and pleasure to work with the SF Public Library on this exhibition of the American experience and identity.” 

For the first time in its history, SFPL has partnered with Hardy Marks Publications on a full-color exhibition catalog to accompany Living Tattoo Traditions. Featuring a first-person narrative by each of the 24 featured tattoo artists and accompanying photos, the catalog is an exceptional addition to the exhibition itself and is a must-see for any tattoo aficionado.

“The deep roots of tattoos in human culture and art are on display in Living Tattoo Traditions: American Irezumi and Beyond, expanding our understanding of tattooing as a practice to reclaim cultural heritage, self-presentation and documentation,” said Allison Wyckoff, Director of Exhibitions at SFPL. “The exhibition is a testament to the power of art to bring people together in community.”

Participating artists include: Aurora Aguirre, Fatima Aleshaiker, Colin Kenji Baker, Makoto Chi, Seem Dayoub, Javier Deluna, Natasha Deluna, Q, Mike Fatutoa, Savannah Fatutoa, Sienna Fatutoa, Alipate Fetuli, Allek Gaoy, John Henry Gloyne, Horifuji, Horitomo, Jesse Jaramillo, Molly Kitamura, Takahiro (Taki) Kitamura, Antonio Mejia, Jeff Quintano, Sef Samatua, Jimmy Shy and Leo Zulueta.

For an immersive experience, the Main Library has planned a set of satellite displays on different floors, including Fashioning San Francisco Punk: Style, Subversion, Shock!, which celebrates the looks, accessories and tastemakers that continue to define Bay Area alternative style; A Magazine for Every Interest, a Magazine for Every Tattoo, at the Magazines and Newspapers Center on the 5th Floor of the Library; and Inked Zodiac: The Art of Jimmy Shy, which showcases the 12 zodiac animals as tattoo illustrations drawn by the renowned artist, at the Chinese Center on the 3rd Floor.

Additionally, the Library has planned numerous events throughout the fall focusing on the art of the tattoo and tattoo traditions, including a panel discussion, “Living Tattoo Traditions” on Oct. 3 with Seem Dayoub, John Henry Gloyne and Leo Zulueta, and artists and co-curators, Molly Kitamura and Takahiro (Taki) Kitamura. Another related can’t-miss event is a drop-in-and-draw program on Nov. 6, “Ink & Archives: Tattoo Inspiration from the Stacks,” a rare opportunity to see treasures from the Library’s reference-only collections, including art books, botanical prints, ship diagrams. Drop in, sketch freely, and talk with archivists and artists about bringing archival and rare book imagery into new creative work. 

For more information about the exhibition and full calendar of related events, visit: sfpl.org/exhibits/2025/10/02/living-tattoo-traditions.

Living Tattoo Traditions: American Irezumi and Beyond — Oct. 2, 2025–March 1, 2026. Main Library, Jewett Gallery, Lower Level

Opening Reception — Oct. 2, 5–7:30 p.m., Main Library, Jewett Gallery, Lower Level

Join us for the opening reception of Living Tattoo Traditions: American Irezumi and Beyond. Explore the unique ways the art of the tattoo positions the body as an archive of stories and tattooing as an intimate exchange between the artist and the wearer. The reception kicks off with taiko drumming in the Atrium with Wadaiko Newark. Share your own tattoo story, make a wish to the tattoo gods and get inspired by all the inked skin! Light snacks will be served. Part of SF First Thursday Art Walk.

Panel: Living Tattoo Traditions — Nov. 3, 4–5:30 p.m., Main Library, Koret Auditorium, Lower Level

Take a deep dive into the art of tattooing as it’s explored in the exhibition, Living Tattoo Traditions: American Irezumi and Beyond. Hear firsthand from several artists in the exhibition as they discuss tattoos as conduits of culture, tattoos as connections to ancestral knowledge, cultural traditions and community, the body as an archive of stories, and tattooing as an intimate exchange between the artist and the wearer.

Ink & Archives: Tattoo Inspiration from the Stacks — Nov. 6, 6–7:30 p.m., Main Library, San Francisco History Center, 6th Floor, and Art, Music & Recreation Center, 4th Floor

Step into the Library’s hidden vaults of inspiration. For one evening only, rarely seen treasures from our reference-only collections will be on display—art books, botanical prints, ship diagrams, landmark photographs and more. These gems offer striking motifs and untapped ideas for tattoo artists, designers and anyone drawn to the art of ink. 

*High-res images available upon request. Email jaime.wong@sfpl.org.